Tree felling on Byway

Update: The path will be closed to all users from 10 September 2014 to protect public safety during surface repair works.

East Sussex County Council have applied for permission to fell around 30 small trees along the side of a byway, which runs between Lordswell Lane and Sheep Plain in Crowborough.

Byway 30 between Lordswell Lane and Sheep Plain

The public right of way, which is formerly known as Byway 30b and c, is normally open to all traffic – but in recent years it has been closed motorised vehicles, because they Council say it has become muddy and badly rutted as a result of damage by off-road bikes and 4x4s. But as can be seen in this video by “one lung warrior”, in really wet weather a stream runs down the middle of the path:

Now East Sussex County Council (ESCC) want to remove the small trees which has grown-up alongside the path, before carrying-out repair work.

Trees earmarked for felling marked with yellow paint

They say the trees, which are mostly mostly birch, laurel and sycamore and less than 150mm in diameter, are restricting the width and their ability to get the necessary machinery onto the path in order to carry out the work. If they get permission to lift the Tree Preservation Order, they plan to fell the smaller trees (marked in yellow paint) and some overhanging branches on larger trees.

After the repair work is completed, the Council plan to continue applying for Traffic Regulation Orders to close it to vehicles, either on a permanent or seasonal basis. The current 9 month order prohibiting motorised vehicles, runs until October this year.

Click on the map below to view this Byway (Grid Ref: TQ510296) and other Rights of Way in Crowborough: